SIX Royston under-14 players have been called up for the Cambridgeshire county rugby squad for the coming season. After impressing in trials, the youngsters, James Clare, Thomas Stone, Louis Rawlings, Adam Richardson, Matthew Simpson, and Louis Boulter w

SIX Royston under-14 players have been called up for the Cambridgeshire county rugby squad for the coming season.

After impressing in trials, the youngsters, James Clare, Thomas Stone, Louis Rawlings, Adam Richardson, Matthew Simpson, and Louis Boulter will be part of one of the most successful county sides in youth rugby.

The whiz-kids shone for Royston Rugby Club's under-13 side last season, performances that left the club's youth development officer in no doubt of their potential.

Alistair Clare said: "They are a really gifted group of players, who over the last two to three seasons have really gone from strength to strength.

"The club has no doubts about their talent and we're sure they will do well for the county.

"Being part of such a fantastic setup will improve the boys' game and help our club move forward.

"They will experience the best training and work with the best young players in Cambridge. And that's something that will rub off on the rest of the squad.

"The Cambs county team has a top-notch reputation, and to have six players from Royston in the squad is testament to the quality of Royston's youth players."

Royston under-14s will look to carry their success into their first taste of league rugby when the new season starts in September.

Clare said: "It looks like they've got a good year ahead of them, and after winning eight out of 10 games last year, Royston are one of the strongest teams around."

His son James, who captains the under-14s said: "It's very pleasing to have won a place in the county squad and I'm really looking forward to getting the season started with them, as are all the other boys involved.

"I'm honoured to be a county player, and I think it will help all of us to improve.

"It will be a big test but I really think we will develop as players.

"Hopefully it will help me follow in the footsteps of my favourite player Martin Johnson - I'd love to be as good as he is!"

Club chairman David Gee said: "This is tremendous news for the boys and the club. They're all very talented and deserve to be in the squad.

"It's very exciting for them, and they all did really well just making the trials - to make it into the squad is fantastic.